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1
Olly
I walk into the crowded restaurant and stand on my toes, searching for my friend Kaylee. I spot her near the windows and wave before wending my way through the tables. As soon as I’m within striking distance, Kaylee jumps up and pulls me in for a hug.
“I’m so glad you’re here! I’ve missed you, girl!”
I laugh.
“Me too, but it hasn’t been that long since we last saw each other.”
She grins.
“I know, but I miss you, Olly. We used to spend like every day together, from school to work to studying to everything!”
“I know. Things change and life moves on, but you’re still my best friend, Kay.”
She pretend sniffles a bit, wiping at an imaginary tear.
“Stop, you’ll make me cry!”
A baby’s wail interrupts us, and with a laugh, we take our seats at the table with Kaylee’s daughter, Emmeline, in her highchair between us. The child is the cutest thing with pitch-black hair and clear blue eyes just like her dad, Elliot.
“Hi Emme,” I coo towards the little girl. “How are you?”
She energetically bangs her spoon against her tray, all the while saying, “Ga! Ga-ga!”
“That means, ‘I’m good,’” Kaylee paraphrases in a droll tone. I giggle.
“Thanks for the translation.” Then, I survey the setting. The table itself is covered with a white cloth, and a delicate vase with a single red rose lends a splash of color.
“Wow, this is quite romantic for just the three of us.”
Kaylee giggle. “I know. It’s a change from how we used to go for fast food all the time, but it’s nice, right? At night, the restaurant’s super fancy, but during the day they serve some of the best sandwiches you’ve ever tasted. You’re going to love it, and it’s sooo worth it.”
I grin.
“Good, because I’m starving!”
Kay nods, her brown curls bobbling.
“Me, too. Having two kids will drain you of all energy, and that’s why I need something really substantial. No salad!”
I nod.
“Of course no salad! You and I have never been salad girls, Kay. But at least your kids are adorable, and they make it worth it, right?”
Kaylee blows out a rueful breath.
“That’s what I keep telling myself, but sometimes I wish I could give these babies back to the stork.”
I chuckle.
“No, you don’t. Where is Ezra, by the way? I thought you’d have both kids with you today.”
Kay shakes her head.
“Elliot took him to the park, thank God. But I knew you’d want to see at least one of the babies, so I brought Emmeline. Divide and conquer, you know. I have no idea how folks with three or more kids do it because I can barely handle one child, much less two.”
I giggle.
“They find a way, but yeah, I’m glad to see Emmeline. You know I adore both of your kiddos.”
Kaylee smiles. “Sometimes I worry you like my kids more than me, you’re that crazy.”
I pretend to think.
“You know, you could be right. Okay, sell one to me then. How much do you want for Emme?”
Kay ponders for a moment.
“Ten bucks? Or how about five?”
“That’s it!?!?” I squeal. “OMG Emme, cover your ears. Your mom is being so insulting!” The baby merely bangs her spoon again, looking between the two of us with a toothless grin.
But then I get serious. “So how have you been, Kay? What have you been up to?”
My buddy sighs. “I’ve just been exhausted. I don’t mean to whine, but motherhood really can be overwhelming. Every day I’m busy non-stop, and honestly, I wish I could just kick back with a magazine sometimes.”
I shoot her a look.
“A dirty magazine?”
She giggles.
“No, because no one actually reads hard copy dirty magazines anymore. That shit’s all on your phone girl! But no, I just want a copy of the New Yorker. I know, my bliss is so pathetic now, right?”
I shake my head.
“No, it’s not Kaylee. You deserve it after what you’ve been through.” After all, my friend was put through the wringer after meeting her now-husband Elliot. She had to deal with a crazy woman who was hell-bent on getting Elliot for herself, and fortunately, Kaylee prevailed. Now, my friend’s ensconced in a huge mansion with her handsome husband and two beautiful children. Sometimes, I can’t help but feel a little jealous. After all, I want what she has, but I have no idea how to find it.
At that moment, a waiter comes over and we each order a sandwich and a glass of lemonade. I go with a caprese with eggplant, which is just eggplant, mozzarella, tomato, and basil on a ciabatta roll. Meanwhile, Kaylee gets steak, arugula, and tomatoes, on the same type of roll. She dumps a handful of puffy cereal on Emmeline’s tray as the waiter walks away.
“She’s just starting on solid foods, so I’ll probably have to give her the boob later.”
I grin.
“Be my guest, girl. Do what you need to do.”
